[Vision2020] Empty Words From Butch Otter on Property Tax

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (March 8, 2006) Lewiston Tribune with a special thanks to Jim
Fisher -

"I would help local governments prioritize the services they give citizens."
- Rep. Butch Otter

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J.F. - Empty words from Butch Otter on property tax

Jim Fisher

No wonder Butch Otter has been reluctant to state any positions on issues
facing the state he wants to lead as governor. When he waded into the
property tax debate the other day, he came out all wet. 

Rep. Otter and other candidates for Idaho governor were asked by the Idaho
Press Tribune in Nampa to present their positions on top issues facing the
state. And like the leading Democratic candidate, Jerry Brady, Republican
Otter included the rising property taxes that have Idahoans demanding
relief. 

But what a difference in how they responded. Here's Brady: 

"Property taxes are deeply unfair. Growth is driving property taxes on homes
through the roof. I would raise the homeowner's property tax exemption to
$100,000. [It's currently $50,000.] This would save $1,000 a year in taxes
on a $150,000 home -- the average value of a Canyon County home." 

To Otter, increasing the exemption, which would shift some of the growing
share of tax burden borne by homeowners back to owners of other property,
Brady's suggestion is nothing more than "a Band-Aid approach." So what's his
solution? 

"Providing incentives to local spending restraint is the key. I would help
local governments prioritize the services they give citizens. We must
clearly identify what services financed by property tax revenues are
necessary in each community and focus limited resources there rather than
trying to be all things to everyone." 

Oh brother. Even if a governor were to inject himself into local decision
making all around the state, which is highly doubtful, what advice would
Otter offer, say, the Lewiston area? This community suffers more from a
shortage of public services than a surfeit of them. 

Lewiston residents refuse to replace an inadequate library, because to do so
would raise their property taxes. If it weren't for a small sales tax window
opened by Kootenai County, Nez Perce County would not be replacing an
inadequate jail, for the same reason. Yet Otter talks as if there are things
the community has that it can do without. 

Road maintenance, perhaps? Police or fire protection? Parks? How would Otter
"prioritize" these services? 

And while he's doing that, what about all the property tax breaks state
government hands out to industrial properties? Each of those shifts more
burden onto homeowners, which feels like anything but a Band-Aid to them. 

Why does Otter want to be governor, anyway, so he can move back to Boise and
sit in a big chair? And does he really expect to get there offering only a
smile, while Brady offers homeowners a $1,000 lower tax bill? -- J.F.

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Apparently, in addition to selling off some of Idaho's wilderness (a bill
Otter co-sponsored and later withdrew his so-sponsorship), Rep. Butch Otter
feels that he is better qualified to prioritize the subsidization of our
community's services than those we voted into office.  I think not.

Vote NO on "Governor" Otter in November.

Perhaps, in addition to raising the homeowners' property tax exemption,
closer scrutiny should be applied to those that request property tax
exemption.

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho 

"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good.
Oh, Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

- Eric Burdon